Australian Shepherd
Breed Rating
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Breed Attributes
General
Breed group: Herding Type: Pure Breed Talent: Agility, Competitive Obedience, Guarding, Herding, Narcotics Detection, Obedience, Police Work, Retrieving, Search & Rescue, Tracking, Tricks, Watchdog
Physical
Size: Medium Weight: 40-65 lbs Fur length: Long Ears: Pointy Fur type: Straight Fur Color: 3 Colors, Black & Brown, Black & White, Brown & White, Merle / Spotted / Brindle / Speckled
ATTRIBUTES
Life Expectancy: About 12 ÃÂÃÂ 15 years Rarity: Common Availability: Easily available Climate: Good for every climate.
Breed Details
General
'The Aussie' as the Australian Shepherd is known is a vigorous medium-sized and well-balanced dog breed.
In spite of its name, the Aussie is not Australian at all, but was actually developed in the pasturelands of the United States in the nineteenth century to work as a herding dog, retriever, and watchdog on ranches.
The Australian Shepherd is a great companion for anyone as well as an above average Herding dog. They are committed to making their owners happy no matter what it takes. An amazing dog breed that is always eager to please.
Color
Blue merle, red merle, or red and black all colors may come with or without white markings and/or tan (copper) points.
Coat
The striking and varied outer coat of the Australian Shepherd is of medium-length, weather-resistant, straight to slightly wavy, while the quantity of undercoat may varies with climate.
Personality
Courageous, loyal and protective the companionship with human is essential for the Australian Shepherd and is fully devoted to his owner. Its strong herding behaviors can be a problem for his family, because of its overwhelming instinct to perform this task on everyone or anything that moves may weaken its ability to function as a family dog. However, if well socialized as puppies this tireless worker is usually a sweet and affectionate dog that is good with children, strangers, and other animals.
Care
The Aussie is susceptible to countless health issues; like possible eye diseases especially cataracts, iris coloboma, PRA (progressive retinal atrophy), PPM (Persistent Pupillary Membrane) and CEA (Collie Eye Anomaly). They may also suffer from CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia), nasal solar dermatitis, VWD (von Willebrands Disease), epilepsy, lumbar sacral syndrome and MHA (Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia). The Australian Shepherd requires moderate grooming, the coat needs an occasional brushing with a firm bristle brush and bathe only when necessary. This breed is a seasonal shedder.
Training
The Australian Shepherd is highly smart and easy to train at the condition that they know who the master is, they require a firm and consistent training or they will attempt to take control. The Australian Shepherd excels at herding, guarding, retrieving, police work, competitive obedience and a great Frisbee, flyball dog too.
Activity
The Australian Shepherd needs plenty of exercise and will do best with some real job to do, he also loves to play and share all family activities. This high activity levels breed is not recommended for apartment dwelling and requires an active owner to stay in shape, they thrive on running in a large securely fenced yard or enclosed environment.
